Why Mary Sventy Has Worked at the Greater LaGrange Y for 20 Years

"People have a choice of where to work out, so why not work out somewhere that benefits the community?"

"People have a choice of where to work out, so why not work out somewhere that benefits the community?" (Posted by YMCA of Metro Chicago, Community Contributor)

Community Contributor YMCA of Metro Chicago

Mary Sventy has worked at the Greater LaGrange YMCA for 20 years, but her history with the Y goes back even further. Mary had always been an active individual but never belonged to a gym. After college, she joined the YMCA to spend more time with the boyfriend who later became her husband. Right before the birth of her first child, Mary joined the Greater LaGrange Y as a spin instructor.

Mary taught spin for many years, but she spent a lot of time on the fitness floor, too. She's helped countless members of all ages get started on their fitness journey at the Y. Currently, Mary gives machine orientations that are free with membership and teen orientations for many of our younger members.

When not at the Y, Mary works for the local elementary school as a paraprofessional, helping children with different developmental disabilities. Mary's favorite part about working for the Y is the flexibility. She says while raising all four of her kids, she was always able to be a mom first but still enjoy her work at the Y. She also enjoys encouraging members and promoting quality of life with exercise and activity. "People have a choice of where to work out, so why not work out somewhere that benefits the community?"

Now that her four children are grown, she looks forward to being more involved with the Y functions like the Reindeer Run.

You can find Mary at the fitness desk on weekday evenings. Stop by and say hi if you get the chance!

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